Angels play a large role in the Christmas story. Let’s hear their message as Christmas begins the earthly story of God’s Son.
First, what does Christmas mean to me?
Happiness.
Joy.
Busyness.
Family.
Surprises.
Jesus.
I grew up in a Christian home and enjoyed Christmas my entire life. I participated in Christmas programs at my church and school, so I learned the biblical story from a very young age. Christmas has always been a time of happiness and joy, a time too often filled with busyness, and a time for family and surprises, . But mostly, a time to focus on Jesus.
PS. If you are one of the people for whom Christmas is not a happy time, I hope that it can still mean Jesus to you.
You can find the story of Jesus’ birth in the Bible in Matthew chapter 1, verse 18 through chapter 2, verse 25, and in Luke chapter 1, verses 26-38, and chapter 2, verses 1-19. The balance of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) relate the rest of the story of Jesus’ life.
I would like to share my beliefs with you about this biblical story of Jesus’ origins, His life, and His death and resurrection. If you’re already familiar with the story, I hope you enjoy the retelling. And if you’re not, I hope it will be informative.
The Good News of Jesus
The origins
Luke 1:26-38 tells of the angel who visited Mary, a virgin, telling her she would be the mother of God’s Son. Matthew 1:18-25 relates the angelic visit to Joseph, her fiancé.
Jesus’ birth
Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because of a Roman decree. Since there was no room in the inn, Jesus was born in a stable. Again, we see angels involved, as they appeared to shepherds to tell of this supernatural birth. Luke 2 narrates this part of the story and describes Jewish practices that follow the birth of a child.
Matthew 2 narrates how the Wise Men came to be involved in the Christmas story. It also speaks of how Jesus and his parents escape to Egypt for their safety and their later return to Nazareth.
His childhood
Luke 2:52 sums up His childhood: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men.”
Jesus’ adult life
Nothing is said about Jesus’ life from age 12 until age 30 when He began a three year ministry of teaching about God, performing miracles, and healing people.
His death and resurrection
Almost one-third of the Gospels speak about the last week of His life. They tell of Jesus’ death, which provided forgiveness for our sins. They recount His resurrection, celebrated on the day we call Easter, proving He is God, validating His right to forgive, and providing eternal life with God.
Back to me
I see a strong link between Christmas and Easter. Without Jesus’ birth, He would not have lived so how could He provide forgiveness? Without His death and resurrection, He would have been just a “good” man.
Do invisible disabilities impact Christmas for me? You better believe it! They bring more busyness. They make it harder as our family prepares. But Jesus–the reason Christmas exists-is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He brings happiness and creates joy. He enables me to thrive as I navigate my storms. Jesus sometimes even surprises us. Above all, to me, Christmas means Jesus.
Your Input
What does Christmas mean to you?
Investigate Further
Activities for Christmas: Puzzle Fun for Christmas and Christmas Crossword Fun.
If you’d like to know more about how to know God, see my page.
